ESU Branches to Send 40 Teacher-Scholars to the UK for Summer Study

THE 2017 ASCOT BALL

CHICAGO TEEN COMPETES IN 34th ANNUAL ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITON IN NEW YORK CITY

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With a performance of a sonnet and monologue from Shakespeare, Ann Urbanski from Wauwatosa, WI, a student of Wesley Schultz at Brookfield Academy in Wauwatosa, placed as a semi-finalist in the 34th annual English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition in New York City. The Competition took place on May 1, 2017 on the stage of the Mitzi Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center with 54 semi-finalists from as many ESU Branch competitions nationwide. Ann previously won the ESU Chicago Branch competition.

The winner of the 34th English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition, Ogechi Egonu, representing the San Francisco Branch, received a full scholarship to attend the American Shakespeare Center Theatre Camp in Staunton, VA, this summer. Second place winner, Brandon Burk, from the Kentucky Branch, won a cash prize of $1,000 from The English-Speaking Union, while the third place winner, Trevon Wainwright, representing the Kansas City Branch of the ESU, received an award of $500 provided by The Shakespeare Society.

Ann Urbanski to Represent Chicago at the ESU National Shakespeare Competition

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Feb 22, 2017,

A decidedly Springlike evening for Chicago this time of year, seven finalists and their families and teachers attended the English-Speaking Union's Shakespeare Competition at the Newberry Library.

Tensions were high as seven talented and poised high school students prepared to perform their winning monologue and sonnet before the finalist judges for the chance to travel to NYC at the National Competition. Shakespeare co-chairs Peter Garino and Jackie Thompson welcomed guests and judges. Courtney Pitt, ESU Branch President and Katie Samples exchanged gratitude for a mutually benefiting program in beautiful Ruggles Hall. Special speakers Tim Kazurinsky and Dep Consul General to Great Britain, Martin hHalley, added star power and global comradery for Shakespeare's timeless works.